The hoof walls aren’t finished yet. Look again to the sole. You’ll probably see it craving a slightly shorter hoof wall at the quarters (the sides of the hoof wall, between the back of the toe and the heels).
This is the natural direction of the hoof. The slight arch (or ‘scoop’ as it’s called) helps the hoof expand on impact. It’s a vital component of the horse’s shock absorbing system.
As with a shod horse, quarters that are the same length as the toe result in a flat foot. The hoof cannot expand, and unwelcome stresses surround the hoof wall. ‘Bulging’ higher up, is a common occurrence where quarters are left too long.
Use flat ground, or a rasp to check along the sides of the hoof. The scoop shouldn’t be too prominent (only 2-3mm) – just enough room to tuck your fingernail underneath. And the arch should remain just above the level of sole.
Though small, the scoop must exist for healthy hoof function. If needed, trim a slight arch into the sides of the hoof wall, and inspect again on a flat surface.
And now onto Aaron.
Hoof Quarters: The Unsung Parts of Your Horse’s Hoof
“Let’s talk about hoof quarters! You’ve probably heard the term tossed around in barn chats, but do you know exactly what it means? The hoof quarters are the sides of your horse’s hooves, located between the toe and the heel. It’s easy to forget about them, especially when we’re all caught up in looking at the heels or the frog, but these areas are super important for your horse’s overall hoof health.”
“The quarters bear a lot of weight and play a huge role in the distribution of pressure as your horse moves. Healthy hoof quarters help your horse stay balanced and comfortable. If they’re neglected, it can lead to uneven wear, cracking, or even lameness. That’s why regular care and attention to these parts of the hoof are key!”
“So how do you keep your hoof quarters in good shape? Start with regular hoof picking. Clean out any debris and check for cracks, chips, or signs of infection. If you spot anything concerning around the hoof quarters, it’s a good idea to have your farrier take a look during your next trim. They can check for balance issues or signs of stress that could lead to bigger problems down the road.”
“A big part of hoof quarters care is making sure they’re properly balanced and trimmed. If the hoof wall is too long in the quarters, it can cause uneven weight distribution, leading to problems like heel soreness or toe-first landings. Your farrier should keep an eye on this during each trim.”
“The health of your hoof quarters is a reflection of their overall hoof care. Treat them with the attention they deserve, and you’ll help keep your horse happy, comfortable, and sound on their feet! Aaron”
Next up
Why are the hoof quarters important for my horse’s overall hoof health, and how can I maintain them properly?
The hoof quarters are the sides of your horse’s hooves, and they help with weight distribution and overall hoof balance. To maintain them, regularly inspect for cracks, uneven wear, or imbalances, and ensure your farrier trims them properly during each visit.